Looking for a great, multi-purpose urbanite jacket that’s completely waterproof and stylish? We recently came across the Imber Jacket from Arc’teryx.
With a fully-sheltered, two-way front zipper and two-way adjustable, brimmed hood, this jacket is great for going out on the town and on urban hikes. It can be dressed up or down and is super lightweight (320g/11.3 oz) for taking on travels.
I was pretty surprised to see the jacket arrive in a small padded package only slightly larger than the size of a folded blouse.
Arc’teryx uses 3-Layer GORE® C-KNIT™ backer technology, designed to improve breathability as well as allow the Imber to slide easily over base- and mid-layers via its light and silky backer. Gore-Tex material can sometimes be stiff or feel heavy but I’m happy to report that this one is ‘quiet’ when wearing and softer than the average Gore-Tex jacket.
[Colour choices: Scarlet, Black, Boxcar]
Although there’s no inner pockets, the jacket does contain two side pockets with a small flap that covers the zipper to help keep out rain. The bottom of the sleeves are elasticized so if you’re faced with an especially chilly evening, it’s easy enough to fit a pair of gloves underneath.
For a subtle touch of branding, a small Arc’teryx Archaeopteryx logo graces the top of the left sleeve. I like the shaped cuffs, giving this jacket an upscale design over standard sleeves.
The inner label sits on a section of soft fabric that won’t rub against your neck, just one more detail that went into creating this thoughtfully-designed jacket. That same material is duplicated on the inside near the top of the zipper to avoid chin chafing.
All inner seams are welded for maximum protection against the elements. Underarms are gusseted to give added freedom of movement. This jacket kept me warm and dry during one pretty rainy afternoon in Moscow recently. The hood protected my head and neck from the wind too.
The mid-thigh length hem will offer a good amount of protection in stormy, wet weather. Many jackets I’ve owned in the past have a hood that adjusts for size but this one adds another option, to pull the hood back off your face.
I love the Imber’s clean lines with enough room to accommodate a light layer underneath.
Find the Imber Jacket at Arc’teryx stores or online for CAD $500, in women’s sizes XS through XL. Arc’teryx products also come with a lifetime performance guarantee against material and workmanship defects. Arc’teryx provided me the Imber Jacket in black for a fall feature. Opinions, as always, are my own.
